Rian Johnson in line to direct second 'Star Wars'

Rian Johnson is negotiating with Lucasfilm to direct "Star Wars: Episode VIII," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

I guess they've decided not to go with me after all.

The "Looper" director is in talks with Lucasfilm to write and direct the second upcoming Star Wars film, which would be Episode VIII, according to sources.

Reports say that the "Looper" director will, contrary to rumors, not director "Episode IX" as well. But he is reportedly writing a treatment for "Episode IX."

Great. Just no Jar-Jar Binks, and we're OK.

ERIC CHARBONNEAU/ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Director/Writer Rian Johnson is seen at the premiere of his film "Looper" at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. Johnson has been tapped to direct the eighth installment of the "Star Wars" franchise, it was announced Friday.
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Eric Charbonneau
)

Johnson has only directed three feature films. But, he seems to be pretty good. As the Hollywood Reporter points out, his directorial debut, "Brick," won the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. He followed that up with 2008's "Brothers Bloom" and 2012's sci-fi thriller "Looper," starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

But even better, Johnson directed three episodes of "Breaking Bad."

Is it too late to cast Bryan Cranston as Luke Skywalker? Princess Leia?

J.J. Abrams is directing the first new film "Star Wars: Episode VII," which is currently being shot in London.

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